PTAD FAQs on DBS Pension Harmonisation: Everything Pensioners Need to Know

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has released important information explaining the implementation of pension harmonisation for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The exercise is intended to address disparities in pension payments caused by the use of different historical salary structures. It involves the recomputation of eligible pensions using approved salary structures applicable before the closure of the Defined Benefit Scheme.

Implementation of the harmonisation exercise commenced in May 2026, while arrears are expected to be calculated from January 2026 to the date of implementation, subject to the necessary approvals and funding provisions.

Below are the frequently asked questions and answers issued to help pensioners understand the exercise.

1. What is Pension Harmonisation?

• Pension harmonisation is the recomputation of pensions using the latest approved salary structures applicable before the Defined Benefit Scheme cut-off date.
• The exercise is intended to correct disparities among pensioners with similar service histories.

2. Is harmonisation a new pension increase policy?

• No. Harmonisation is not a general pension increase.
• It is a corrective intervention designed to address disparities arising from differences in historical salary structures.

3. Why is pension harmonisation necessary?

• Pension harmonisation is necessary to restore fairness, equity and parity for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners who retired under outdated salary structures.

4. What role does the Federal Government play in this initiative?

• The harmonisation initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to pensioners’ welfare, social justice and equitable pension administration.

5. How will harmonisation affect pensioners’ welfare?
The exercise is expected to:

• Improve pensioners’ financial security.
• Enhance their purchasing power.
• Reduce disparities in pension payments.
• Restore confidence in pension administration.

6. Who qualifies for pension harmonisation?
The categories of pensioners who may qualify include:

• Pure Federal Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.
• Pensioners under the Parastatals Pension Department, PPD; Defunct and Transferred Agencies Pension Department, DTAPD; and Tertiary Education and Health Pension Department, TEHPD, who transferred from the Federal Service to state Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
• Pensioners whose pensions were computed using older salary structures, such as HAPSS 74.

7. Do pensioners need to apply for harmonisation?

• No. Harmonisation will be computed using the prevailing salary structure applicable before the Defined Benefit Scheme cut-off date.
• Eligible pensioners are not required to submit a separate application simply to be considered for the exercise.

8. Will pensioners be required to undergo verification again?

• No. However, where necessary, PTAD may request additional documents to validate pensioners’ records and ensure accurate computation.

9. Will all DBS pensioners benefit from harmonisation?
No. The following categories of pensioners are excluded:

• Pensioners who were already placed on the prevailing salary structure before the DBS cut-off date.
• Pensioners whose current pension already exceeds the harmonised amount.
• Pensioners from agencies operating a single salary-chart structure.
• Certain state-with-federal-share pension categories.

10. How will PTAD determine eligibility?

• Eligibility will be determined using the pensioner’s service records, retirement date and the salary structure applicable at the time of retirement.

11. Will harmonisation increase monthly pensions?

• Yes. Harmonisation is expected to improve monthly pension payments where disparities exist.
• However, the actual outcome may differ from one pensioner to another, depending on individual service records and the applicable salary structure.

12. Will arrears be paid?

• Yes. Arrears will be calculated from January 2026 to the date of implementation, subject to approval and funding provisions in the 2026 budget.

13. Will harmonisation affect gratuity payments?

• No. The harmonisation exercise primarily affects monthly pension entitlements.
• It does not automatically alter gratuities that have already been paid.

14. Does harmonisation affect all pension departments under PTAD?

• The initiative specifically applies to qualifying Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners under PTAD’s administration, subject to the approved eligibility criteria and applicable salary structures.

15. What salary structures are considered during harmonisation?

• Approved salary structures that were applicable before the DBS cut-off date will be used in determining harmonised pension rates.
• The salary structure used will depend on the pensioner’s cadre and retirement period.

16. Will harmonisation apply uniformly to all pensioners?
No. Harmonisation outcomes may differ depending on factors such as:

• Rank or cadre.
• Years of service.
• Retirement date.
• Applicable salary structure.
• Pension and service records.

17. Can pensioners whose records are incomplete benefit from harmonisation?

• Incomplete or inconsistent pension records may delay the computation of a pensioner’s harmonised benefits.
• Affected pensioners will be contacted and asked to submit supporting documents where necessary.

18. What documents may be required if clarification is needed?
Where applicable, pensioners may be requested to provide documents such as:

• Letter of first appointment.
• Letter of retirement or disengagement.
• Last pay slip.
• National Identification Number, NIN.
• Other relevant service records.

Pensioners should ensure that their personal and service records are accurate and readily available in case PTAD requests additional information.

19. How will pensioners know when their pensions have been harmonised?

• PTAD will communicate implementation updates through its official communication channels.
• Adjusted pension payments will also be reflected in beneficiaries’ bank accounts when the exercise has been completed.

20. Will pensioners receive official notification of arrears payments?

• Yes. Relevant announcements and payment updates will be communicated officially by PTAD.
• Pensioners should rely only on information published through PTAD’s authorised platforms.

21. Can next-of-kin or the estates of deceased pensioners benefit from harmonisation?

• Cases involving deceased pensioners will be treated in line with existing pension policies and applicable procedures.
• Eligible next-of-kin or estate representatives may be required to provide the necessary legal and administrative documentation.

22. Will harmonisation resolve all pension-payment-related complaints?

• No. Harmonisation is specifically intended to address disparities linked to salary structures.
• Other pension-related complaints or payment issues may still require separate investigation and resolution by PTAD.

23. What measures is PTAD taking to ensure transparency in the process?

• PTAD is applying approved salary structures, pension records and internal multi-level validation procedures to ensure accuracy in the computation of harmonised pensions.
• These checks are intended to reduce errors and ensure that eligible pensioners receive the appropriate amounts.

24. Will pensioners need to pay any fee for harmonisation?
No. Pensioners are not required to pay any fee for pension harmonisation or the processing of pension payments.

PTAD will never request:

• ATM card details.
• ATM card PINs.
• Cash payments.
• Unofficial processing fees.

Pensioners should beware of fraudsters and report suspicious requests through PTAD’s official communication channels.

25. When will implementation begin?

• Implementation has commenced.
• The pension harmonisation exercise took effect from May 2026.

26. Where can pensioners obtain updates?
Pensioners can obtain reliable updates through:

• The official PTAD website.
• PTAD’s official social media platforms, including its WhatsApp Channel.
• Verified press releases and official public announcements.
• Pensioners should avoid relying on unverified social media messages or information circulated by unauthorised individuals.

27. Where can pensioners send enquiries, complaints or requests for clarification?
Pensioners can contact PTAD through the following official channels:

PTAD Customer Care Lines

• 0800-2255-7823 — Toll-free
• 02094621700 — Charges apply

Email Addresses

• Complaints: complaints@ptad.gov.ng
• General enquiries: info@ptad.gov.ng

Social Media

• X: @PTADNigeria
• Facebook: PTAD Nigeria
• Instagram: PTAD Nigeria
• WhatsApp Channel: PTAD Nigeria

What Pensioners Should Do

Although pensioners are not required to submit a fresh application for harmonisation but pensioners should keep important documents such as their appointment letter, retirement letter, last pay slip, NIN and other service records available. These documents may be requested where PTAD identifies missing or inconsistent information.

Important Warning Against Fraud

Pension harmonisation is free. No pensioner should pay an individual, agent or organisation to be included in the exercise.
PTAD will not request ATM card details, PINs or cash payments to process a pension or harmonisation entitlement. Any person requesting such information or payment should be treated as a potential fraudster.

Conclusion

The DBS pension harmonisation exercise is an important corrective intervention aimed at reducing long-standing pension disparities among eligible federal pensioners. While not every pensioner will receive an increase, eligible beneficiaries whose pensions were calculated using outdated salary structures may receive adjusted monthly payments. Arrears are expected to be calculated from January 2026 to the implementation date, subject to government approval and funding.

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